Yankees Option 3B Henson to Triple-A

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, March 10, 2003

The New York Yankees optioned third baseman Drew Henson to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

The Yankees last year hoped the former Michigan quarterback would be ready to play in the major leagues this year, but Henson hit just .240 last season at Triple-A Columbus with 18 homers and 65 RBIs, striking out 151 times in 471 at-bats.

He also made his major league debut, striking out in his only official at-bat, and scoring a run.

Yankees manager Joe Torre said he encouraged by Henson's performance this spring.

"A huge step forward for me," Torre said. "I'm know he was probably a little disappointed leaving camp so soon, but they start (minor league) games tomorrow. At this point in time, he's better served by going over there."

Henson did not commit an error in six appearances. He went 3-for-13 (.231) with an RBI.

"I think he was a lot better player," Torre said. "I told him today, I thought you deserved to be in this camp. Last year, looked like he was sort of a duck out of water."

Henson gave up football when he signed a $17 million, six-year contract in 2001.

The Yankees also reassigned outfielder Nigel Wilson and first baseman Fernando Seguignol to their minor league camp.